Peace Centre Urges Youths To Shun Recruitment Into Thuggery

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSSS), Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has appealed to Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs.

The Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Adekola Alao, made the appeal in Ilorin on Monday during a press conference organised to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, themed, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

Alao urged the youths to reject cultism, hooliganism, gangsterism, drug abuse and other activities capable of threatening the country’s peace.

Instead, he encouraged young Nigerians to participate peacefully in the democratic process and recognise their role in building a stable and secure society.

“Finally, the Centre appeals to Nigerian youths to, as a matter of urgency, not allow politicians to use them as thugs in the forthcoming 2027 elections.

The youths should shun cultism, hooliganism, gangsterism, and drug abuse, embrace peace and cultivate the culture of peace,” he said.

Alao also advised politicians to base their campaigns on policies and issues affecting citizens rather than personal attacks against opponents.

He cautioned that the use of thugs, as well as the destruction or defacement of campaign materials, could heighten tensions and trigger violence.

He also encouraged political actors to resolve disagreements through dialogue and peaceful engagement, noting that confrontation could undermine democratic stability and deepen divisions within communities.

Alao urged traditional rulers to play a more active role in maintaining peace by promoting community policing and restoring elements of traditional communal life that encourage residents to work together for their collective security and welfare.

He said stronger cooperation among community members would complement the efforts of formal security agencies and help prevent conflicts before they escalate.

He also called for closer collaboration among peace and security stakeholders, including the media, civil society organisations and religious bodies.

He said these groups should work with security agencies to strengthen peacebuilding and improve security management, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

He stressed that peaceful elections would require the collective commitment of political leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society, religious organisations and citizens.